Okay, so here we go. First and foremost I would like to apologize for my lack of attention to the blog. Its been a crazy Spring for me and that meant neglecting the blog for a while.. So, what made it a crazy Spring you might ask.. Well let me give you an update.
The last time we talked, I was about to go on tour with the Dots.. That happened - and it was a crazy, fun, tough, and awesome experience! I love the Dots! All of them; Yinka, Maga, Noe, Franco, Anna and Liam. What a great (AND EXTREMELY TALENTED) group of people! I learned so much about touring and about setting up a big show and Im ever so grateful for the opportunity.
the beautiful bata de cola on display!
The next tour is coming up and if your around you should really check it out! Its an amazing show.. and I truly mean that.
Another mentionable event was when I - along with the Dots - got to dance and perform with Olga Pericet..!! While we were in London we participated in a 5-day workshop with the genius Olga. It was about improvisation and photography and I dont even know where to start. We did amazing things with her and she brought in a spiritual healer to guide us through our fears with the end result of emancipation. Lets just say we got very close as a group and the energy amongst the dancers was incredible. The workshop ended with a performance with Olga at the Lilian Baylis studio at Sadler’s Wells during the London Flamenco Festival. Im a lucky girl!
Here are some photos from the workshop - taken by the incredible dancer and photographer Paco Villalta.
Yinka, Noe and myself - Paco Villalta
Solo Improv - Paco Villalta
Okay, so that was the Dots..
Another thing that happened was my role as palmera for my beautiful friend Ingrid. I helped her out twice in Sevilla in Jan/Feb and it was an honour to be there and having her back. She’s turning into a beautiful flamenco dancer.. And we tall scandinavian flamencas gotta stick together! haha!
Sala Garufa. Photo by Mia Marinkovic - facebook
Being palmera for Ingrid had a surprising twist to it.. I got invited to perform myself after having done a pataita por buleria. But because of my busy schedule I had to postpone it a bit. But I did it! 30th of April was the date when I finally got to perform in Sevilla. It was a great experience, especially because I got to work with some very talented artist - Cantaor Edu Hidalgo and Guitarrista Samuel Gutiérrez Ortega. We got together the night before and did a quick run through of my Solea and then the next day it was showtime! I performed at a place called Casa Ensambla - its a cultural house with a lot of different things going on. But once a month they do flamenco. Its a great place to perform.. Its big, with comfy sofas and art on the walls. Every time Ive been there the room is always booming with great energy, and this night was no different. My lovely friends in Sevilla (and my MOTHER) had come to show their support and I felt very loved. I didnt get to thank everyone for coming, so I’ll do it here. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE!
Most of my friends asked me the same questions that night; how did it feel? Are you happy with your performance? etc.. It was difficult to answer, first of all because I had improvised most of my Solea so I really had no idea what I had done.. And secondly because l was a bit overwhelmed. So l took a deep breath and stated the following; No matter what l did, no matter if l could have done better or worse.. I did it. l did something that l once upon a time thought was more or less impossible.. l danced a solo in the capital of flamenco to a spanish audience and they didnt leave during my dance.. they actually applauded me. It has been a goal of mine since I first fell in love with flamenco and tonight l reached my goal. No matter what, l’ll always remember tonight for that.
Im telling you guys this because l think its important. We tend to set goals for ourselves and then once we reach them, we rarely take the time to validate our accomplishments. We are straight on to the next goal, never being satisfied, never giving ourself a pat on the back. Of course as an artist it is important to keep challenging yourself and not be too self-satisfied. BUT we tend to beat ourselves down by NEVER being satisfied, always criticizing ourselves.. I think its important that we once in awhile give ourselves that necessary pat on the back and thank our bodies for letting us continue on the journey we’re on. Thanking our minds for not going all crazy, and thanking our souls for giving us the strength and courage to pursue our dreams...
Casa Ensambla - Photo by José Luis Navarro, from his blog Eco de la Memoria
Okay, so I skipped something.. Its difficult to keep track of everything.
I also went to Copenhagen for Easter. I did a 5 days workshop and a performance at the peña El Duende. It was great being back home seeing friends and flamencos again. My workshop students were amazing. Great energy and hard work! I cant wait to return in August and make them sweat some more!! Also, the fusion classes are getting more popular and lm really enjoying being able to bring a different element to flamenco. Being able to mix all my dance styles, all my experience is a great pleasure..
The performance in El Duende was probably the biggest solo show Ive done. It was my first time doing a two-part show as the only dancer.. And it wouldnt have been possible without the help from the amazing Pepita Rohde and Andrée Petersen. Pepita is one of the most important flamencos in my life. She is always there for me and has taught me a lot! She is my eternal inspiration and it was a great pleasure for me to finally be able to perform with her.
The show went well and even though many were away on Easter Holidays we had a great crowd! But l must admit, it was tough! I did an improv to Nana del Caballo Grande and a Tientos in the first part and Alegrias and Solea in the second part. Thats A LOT of dancing and having just been teaching for 5 days my body was tired. I didnt perform the way l would have liked to.. But my body said stop - and thats fair enough! Its not a robot and sometimes l push it too hard.. Not doing as well as l wanted was also a good experience.. I think sometimes we stress too much when it comes to performances. Or at least l know l do. Not performing every week makes the performances I have even more important and I often stress about doing it perfect. But flamenco is not a beauty pageant. Its not acting a role. Its life, its real and its you. And things dont always go according to plan in life.. so why do l expect it to do so in flamenco? Im trying to relax more and just enjoy - the good and the bad! Every performance is a new experience and every performance makes me a better dancer.
Here are some photos from the peña evening
And of course at the same time as all of this was going on I was studying at Complutense Universidad trying to finish my BA degree in Anthropology.. And trying to maintain a long distance relationship.. And getting a lot of visits from friends and family.. Suffice to say that its been hectic! But lm not complaining.. I really love where my life is heading and lm grateful for every single opportunity along my way..
So.. this is all for now.. I have some new projects on the way but I gotta safe some news for the next post!
Take care and keep dancing!
